I raided my parents records and found her album Between the Lines and oh gods to hear this song on vinyl...I cried. I'm 16 and a half, and going through this pain right now. Janis Ian gives me hope, though.
Janis Ian and Phoebe Snow could carry me into whimsical thuoghts and now many years later I miss those passions. So much has passed since then life has a diffrent looking glass. As young man I was in love these two ladies. Such is love. GSB
I have always loved this song, and seeing this video clip, I think she's very pretty! The "fro" could go, but facially she's cute!! And the voice...fabulous.
I never, ever watched Janis Ian live. After a life (I am 50 and do not live in the States) of feeling the anguish and pain of this song I finally witness the ravaged faced of her. Was she crazy or what? She may have not fit the beauty pattern of 70s (maybe), but she is a very attractive. She is not Farrah Fawcett maybe, but she is the girl in real life you would have wished to have as a girl friend.
@fcojavaa How eloquently put. I myself am 50 and she looks like the girl next door to me. I had rather have a woman with a personality, than one with a beautiful body and a simple arrogant mind .
Was a Boy with a ravaged acne face and went through ridicule and humiliation but got through it to be happily married for 22 years. Thank you Janis, this song is so beautiful and poignant. The saying that " Looks are only skin deep" are so so true.
already a star, more to this song? You got it but still, there are alot of girls and boys out there that felt as the words of this song. No doubt she is successful, just think many people identify. Been there done that.
@nesnejls NUTS. I ran across this clip and remembered when I first heard it on SNL. I was just a kid but I remember it being really powerful. I was just about to search for it! Thanks for the heads up.
How many girls feel this way. We receive so many good comments on how we look, then one fool comes around and says one mean thing, and thats what we remember the most. Why is it so hard to be nice? Thats why so many girls question themselves in gender, and many other things. She is very pretty and very talented. Where is she now, I wonder.
She might of had bad skin back then, or bad clothes, bad hair... You never know people change from when they were in high school,and people probably judged her for that (therefore she felt ugly) even though she could have been going through an awkward time in her life. (even though she had a pretty face.)
This song is for all those girls who just didn't fit in with the blonde haired and blue eyed cheerleaders who ran the schoolyards and made life so desperately miserable for us who just wanted one boy who would think of us as....beautiful. Little did we know that we were so lovely just by being us...Now we know...so many years later, that beauty is only skin deep.
the way the record company executives saw it, they could get any ugly girl to sing about being ugly but no one would want to watch
so they found a pretty girl to sing about being ugly, and everybody watched -- ugly people liked the music and everyone else just looked at her in confusion about the complaint and thought to themsleves, "What gives, I'd do her."
Entertainment geniius whoever put that together. Tops the Monkees and the Archies.
"In debentures of quality and dubious integrity". I used to work in banking but do not mention this is in "polite" company these days.. New York and London exploded the financial system. She was before her time?
Hate to break the spell and make it 667 comments, but this song reminds me of a movie I saw on tv back in around 1975 at age 10, where this outcast girl kills off all of her more popular classmates. I recall one got pushed out a window. What was that movie?
it seems so important when you're young. but as time passes you find that trajedy and happiness rarely discriminate. and here shes acting happy inside her handsome home and me im driving in my taxi takin tips and gettin stoned
It seems like she thought herself to be not to desirable, but this girl is very pretty. I don't know why she would think herself below others with beauty, for she is a beautiful girl.
@moseseseseses The beauty in those days (sometimes still today) was blue-eyed, long blond hair-- and we all knew it, felt it, lived it-- thus, the huge success of the song
@moseseseseses A lot of 17-year-olds don't realise how beautiful/handsome they are, especially if they have a unique appearance and don't look like models. I think as a woman she knows.
@moseseseseses If you look into her background you'll come to understand this song more. She grew up an interracial child back in a time when it wasn't so accepted, so that wasn't easy on her I'm sure. There is more info somewhere, but I can't remember where.
@mastersirk You obviously do not understand the context of this issue in the '50s, '60s, and '70s in the New York City area. It was a rather boring topic in the white community. It would have been scandelous in the '30s and '40s and somewhat taboo prior the '20s. Social issues need to be looked at in context of time and place.
I remember when this one came out. I told a guy at school I saw her sing it on TV. He asked, " So is she ugly?" "No." I said, "She's pretty." Love the song, Love the voice, Felt the pain.
I was 14 when this song came out. It told the story of my life! Times have changed, but back then I was the only black in school. It was horrible. I never fit in. I bought this song, learned every word and cried every time I played it. Felt a sisterhood with Janis. It was like she was telling my story. I remember not getting picked for teams at p.e. And having the coach put me on one, and the team getting mad. Now, it's called bullying,then it was just another day in my life.
@tmccane1 I am so sorry you were treated that way. I am white and I was treated that way too, because we were poor. It hurts, you cry and feel bad, but looks like we both overcame it.
Was present at her last tour appearance last night at the Leeds Variety theatre. tremendous presence, grace and wit. Great lady, great human, writer and musician. Dominated the theatre with her immense presence and repartee. Great show, Probably one of the best i have eve seen actually. Thanks Janis you really do shine.
Love this version of the song even more than the stellar studio version. Props to the heavy metal lead guitar dude playing the fuck out of his acoustic axe. Wicked cool version of this great song.
I love this song and can associate with it. It holds a specal place in my heart but kept moving on into a life of a special beauty with my husband, daughters and now grandchldren who give me valentines, lots of love, and think I am "beautiful."
folks after you listen to this song look for Howard stern's rendition of this song at 17 it's a parade of seinfeld dating a 17 year old .Janis Ian's sings along it's so funny
folks after you listen to this song look for Howard stern's rendition of this song at 17 it's a parade of seinfeld dating a 17 year old .Janis Ian's sings along
I went to see Janis Ian last night. She was so wonderful with her music, guitar playing and her stories. I was a student in the 70's and her music saw me through those days and more. I have never done the "fan" thing after a concert but I shook her hand and told her how much I had always loved her music....she had made me cry,again.
Can you imagine watching one of the "Instant Star" shows that are around today, like "Britain's got Nut Cases" & a young lady comes on to play the guitar to & sing a beautiful, beautiful ORIGINAL song with such style & grace?
Anyone over 40 - We lived through magical times my friends!
It's difficult to find music of this caliber now that was so common place back then. It's probably out there, but hard to find. You sure wont find it on the main airwaves anymore. Thanks for this post.
I used to tend bar in a Biker Club. Whenever we wanted to get rid of "Squares" or "Outsiders" or "wimps" or whatever, I'd put this song on the stereo and the bikers would start slow dancing. The "undesirables" would slam their drinks down and haul ass for the nearest exit. Meanest fu@kin' gay bar in town...
@terrryc I served as a "bouncer" for a Dallas nightclub in the 80's. Standing rule was "you don't let nerds or any goosey types in." And you always found some "rule" to keep them out. I tagged some guy as a "goose" once because he wore a baseball cap and told him he couldn't enter the club. Turns out he was on the "Dallas Cowboys"
@animascat Well, Janis Ian's song is about being an outcast, I think it's fair to say. And 30 years ago, I was part of the arrogant, stuck up crowd who passed judgment on the "nerds" and mocked them. I regret now what I did. I'm a different person today and hopefully a better one.
This must have bveen @ the grammies in 75 or 76..I had all her LP's and was so pleased when she won...I too have read her autobiography..what a storng person...so glad I listened to her music all through the mid-seventies..
wanna hear something else that is beautiful by JI? good luck on that, Her song, Jenny / Iowa Sunrise cannot be found anywhere....can anyone out there post it?
wanna hear something else that is beautiful by JI? good luck on that, Her song, Jenny / Iowa Sunrise cannot be found anywhere....can anyone out there post it?
Ewph ....... captivating and beautifully haunting ... the words just get me right where it makes one feel deeply .... tears-a-flowing .... aaaaaaaaaa ... going for an evening walk up the hills and clear my head of this melancholia ..... (-:
Greenhornet270 Your post was pretty darned special. You've got the kind heart I so remember with the great guys we dated back then. Every one a gentleman and each one a very cool guy...miss those times very, very much. Glad I clicked this song and saw the really great comments.
took a girl who was paralyzed bye polio to my Junior Prom in 1964; had she NOT moved away I swear I think I'd have married her....NEVER judge the book bye the cover folks!!!
The time had a big impact on the song. The 70s was about anti-authorisation and non-conformism. The song questions the "norm" of relationships based on popularity and marriage that lacked integrity
I like that you think we are more of SOCIAL CREATURES than we are INDIVIDUAL BEINGS...
I liked your analysis of the 70's and the impact it had on this incredible song ("At Seventee") but I think the greatnesss of the song has more to do with personal feelings tthat are showing thru han social contex of the era...I may be wrong.. Janis Ian would probably be the best person to ask! Very interesting anaylysis though....
@MsSoanSo quite the opposite, the solitary thought is that you believe you are ugly, and "when you dare" you cheat and try to believe the opposite. just a thought.
Just finished reading Janis Ian's remarkable autobiography - Society's Child. WOW! Who knew she has gone through so much awful stuff in her life? And yet she emerges strong, gracious, generous, kind, loving - with that amazing, God-given talent for writing and singing. We need to acknowledge and cherish this Great American Treasure!
@holly2613 bravo!! i agree with you 100% I JUST LOVE THIS song and it is so true! I always thought Janis was just so cute too!!! She is one of my favorite singer-songwriter who today's "stars" cant match!!! :)
@holly2613 - Oh, honey, no one writes like this unless they've lived it. Believe me, I KNOW all too well. It is always astonishing to hear of people being surprised that someone had gone through the ringer when they're actually listening to the tale being sung right into their ears. I am glad I have seen life from many different sides. Can't say I've ever made assumptions.
I had one of those moments that I will remember forever. Last night I got to shake hands with Janis Ian and tell her that she is amazing. So many singers really don't have it, decades later, when they try to sing. Janis is 60 years old now and her voice is perfect. It's better than when she was a kid. She is a fantastic guitar player too. I was really impressed. The best 2 hours plus that I could imagine.Don't miss seeing her if you get a chance. I would go see her just for her stories.
I was kind to all...I even went to a High School sorority party with a girl who asked me ...she weighed well over 250lbs..her brother thanked me...kidness to those less fortunate in looks or weight...It's never been my style to say anything to hurt people.....I wish we could all say that..
To those of us who knew the pain Of valentines that never came And those whose names were never called When choosing sides for basketball It was long ago and far away the world was younger than today when dreams were all they gave for free to ugly duckling girls like me... We all play the game, and when we dare We cheat ourselves at solitaire Inventing lovers on the phone Repenting other lives unknown That call and say: "Come on, dance with me" And murmur vague obscenities At ugly girls like me
I sawJanis Ian in concert about 10 years ago. She was generous, funny and worth every penny. She greeted fans after the show ,shook hands with everyone that remained and was sincere in her thanks. To me that is a true artist., and even more, a true mensch! If she came back to Tucson, I'd pay to see her again and again.
Meaningful lyrics is a lost art. It just doesn't happen any more. White Americans singing meaningful songs without having to imitate the Negros jungle culture that has neither grace nor beauty.
Rap and Hip Hop is not sublime. They are just SLIME.
@Search4diabetescure Don't ruin a great song with personal ignorance. Race has nothing to do with the ability to write and sing meaningful songs, and the thought of such racial divide is simply moronic. For every Janis Ian and James Taylor there is a Johnny Nash, an Etta James, an Otis Redding, a Billie Holiday and a Marvin Gaye.
Please leave your supremacist values outside of meaningful, beautiful avenues - like this song.
@mwleddy1 - Spoken like a enlightened Liberal = Socialist = Communist.
The last time I look this is still America, and not completely remade to be AMERIKA in the image of your Frankfurt School of Cultural Marxism. So, stuff your Marxism up your rear end. One day when all hell break loose, we will find the likes of you.
@Search4diabetescure Funny how you believe that I'm the socialist and you mention German cities when you're the one who preaches about things being better when it's all white. All White ... sounds like a master race ... like in Germany ... with the Nazi Socialist party ... so I guess you would know about socialists, wouldn't you?
An individual like Janis comes around once in a lifetime. She could charge me by the minute to sing. No matter what she charged me it would be worth it. Thank you, Janis.
pretty and attractive are not -and never have been- the same thing, the trouble is those of of us who knew the difference never got got picked at basketball. 'a fatty and needs to lose a few pounds' ?? what a sad thing to think.
Wow, great vid. So much emotion in such a seemingly passive demeanor.
bepriceless 2 days ago
I raided my parents records and found her album Between the Lines and oh gods to hear this song on vinyl...I cried. I'm 16 and a half, and going through this pain right now. Janis Ian gives me hope, though.
sparkyknoweroftruths 2 days ago
Janis Ian was on Irish Radio this morning & sang this song impeccable. She is sooooo talented and a beautiful lady.
clarebannerman 3 days ago
no, shes above it all. she had made a peace with it.
kassid4 1 week ago
She can play guitar too. nice harmonics at the end of her lead and in background
boomer77ist 1 week ago
Beautiful voice behind a beautiful song.
goddydee2 1 week ago
Janis Ian and Phoebe Snow could carry me into whimsical thuoghts and now many years later I miss those passions. So much has passed since then life has a diffrent looking glass. As young man I was in love these two ladies. Such is love. GSB
canadianceltic 2 weeks ago 2
One that ive forgotten. wow blew my mind to relive it.
andypadge1 2 weeks ago
Not attractive? Thats make the hairs ;-)
23Disciple 2 weeks ago
Beautifull song and that voice... one of the best in the universe!!!
23Disciple 2 weeks ago
I'm not a gay man but there's an ugly girl inside most of us.
elephantinrm 2 weeks ago 3
I have always loved this song, and seeing this video clip, I think she's very pretty! The "fro" could go, but facially she's cute!! And the voice...fabulous.
cddjny 2 weeks ago
One of the most beautiful voices of all time.
slickwing 2 weeks ago
I never, ever watched Janis Ian live. After a life (I am 50 and do not live in the States) of feeling the anguish and pain of this song I finally witness the ravaged faced of her. Was she crazy or what? She may have not fit the beauty pattern of 70s (maybe), but she is a very attractive. She is not Farrah Fawcett maybe, but she is the girl in real life you would have wished to have as a girl friend.
fcojavaa 2 weeks ago
@fcojavaa How eloquently put. I myself am 50 and she looks like the girl next door to me. I had rather have a woman with a personality, than one with a beautiful body and a simple arrogant mind .
slickwing 2 weeks ago
Wow! what can i say, Beautiful song! Beautiful Lady
sammy7819 2 weeks ago
Sorry, but I don't find her attractive.
varsume 3 weeks ago
Was a Boy with a ravaged acne face and went through ridicule and humiliation but got through it to be happily married for 22 years. Thank you Janis, this song is so beautiful and poignant. The saying that " Looks are only skin deep" are so so true.
RedditchBhoy 3 weeks ago 3
the drums sound like a old plastic bucket beeing hit
funkyguyxxx 3 weeks ago
@funkyguyxxx You're an ASSHOLE! You're fuckin' head should be hit !
billio0104 3 weeks ago
She is still a hot woman
JOAN; call me!
sunra3000 3 weeks ago
already a star, more to this song? You got it but still, there are alot of girls and boys out there that felt as the words of this song. No doubt she is successful, just think many people identify. Been there done that.
cesca57 3 weeks ago
Just watched the first episode of SNL on dvd where she did this and it is even more raw. Couldn't find it on youtube which is a shame.
nesnejls 3 weeks ago
@nesnejls NUTS. I ran across this clip and remembered when I first heard it on SNL. I was just a kid but I remember it being really powerful. I was just about to search for it! Thanks for the heads up.
teejate 2 weeks ago
Comment removed
nesnejls 3 weeks ago
Try being a 31-year old man, and feeling every word of this song.
I oughta know.
darkmage7280 3 weeks ago 3
She was already a star before she was 17
Ahzdiosh 3 weeks ago
There is much more to this song than a girl reflecting on her physical appearance!
fanzclubz 3 weeks ago
A precursor to Norah Jones!
loladelrio 3 weeks ago
How many girls feel this way. We receive so many good comments on how we look, then one fool comes around and says one mean thing, and thats what we remember the most. Why is it so hard to be nice? Thats why so many girls question themselves in gender, and many other things. She is very pretty and very talented. Where is she now, I wonder.
cesca57 4 weeks ago
@cesca57 She's still touring regularly.
wjstv1 3 weeks ago
She might of had bad skin back then, or bad clothes, bad hair... You never know people change from when they were in high school,and people probably judged her for that (therefore she felt ugly) even though she could have been going through an awkward time in her life. (even though she had a pretty face.)
xxfiresnunicornsxx 4 weeks ago
I can still feel her pain at my ripe ole' age of 53, and am now watching the same pain through my daughter's eyes.
Kimmioh1 4 weeks ago 10
I wish I could have met her, I could really get into a woman like that!
lkyelberg 4 weeks ago
As much as I hate to say it, Janis Ian was so right.
oranged5380 1 month ago
we all have our had insecurities ... she just expressed it better than most (all)
stames999 1 month ago
I was born in 1978 and I have just discovered her-she is a revelation to me. Her lirics are deep and her melody grubs my by the heart.
SIMKINYX 1 month ago
This song is for all those girls who just didn't fit in with the blonde haired and blue eyed cheerleaders who ran the schoolyards and made life so desperately miserable for us who just wanted one boy who would think of us as....beautiful. Little did we know that we were so lovely just by being us...Now we know...so many years later, that beauty is only skin deep.
puff4408 1 month ago
the way the record company executives saw it, they could get any ugly girl to sing about being ugly but no one would want to watch
so they found a pretty girl to sing about being ugly, and everybody watched -- ugly people liked the music and everyone else just looked at her in confusion about the complaint and thought to themsleves, "What gives, I'd do her."
Entertainment geniius whoever put that together. Tops the Monkees and the Archies.
matt605 1 month ago
I'm about to turn 17.... damn, and this song is amazing... so far this song exemplifies everything going on....! AMAZING!
NotoriousBIGeek 1 month ago 2
no phoniness when janis ian opens her mouth.
BetamaxBooty 1 month ago
Millwall
MiLLwallpaul231258 1 month ago
Me too
TheWickerwalker 1 month ago
one of the great songs of all times!
jkoncz 1 month ago
she's not that ugly tho here.
knightschwartz 1 month ago
@knightschwartz 'not that ugly'? nice.
pclk01 1 month ago
I learned the truth at 17 too, this song is so perfect. I always wondered why i wasn't one of those perfect popular girls.
vvzsereia 1 month ago
"In debentures of quality and dubious integrity". I used to work in banking but do not mention this is in "polite" company these days.. New York and London exploded the financial system. She was before her time?
nikwik2 1 month ago
I love that this song was written in a standard poetic form. The verse is beautiful even without the music. That is uncommon today.
bottledsoul 1 month ago
MY OLE' LADY LUVS THIS SONG
smokeyhaze1000 1 month ago
@smokeyhaze1000 Good for her...she's going down memory lane :)
shjakes 1 month ago
Hate to break the spell and make it 667 comments, but this song reminds me of a movie I saw on tv back in around 1975 at age 10, where this outcast girl kills off all of her more popular classmates. I recall one got pushed out a window. What was that movie?
paulj0557 1 month ago
@paulj0557 "the girl most likely to....." it stars stockard channing as an ugly duckling
who gets revenge.i believe its on dvd.awesome movie and this song does fit
chompo7 1 month ago
I'm ugly n cb relate
TheFreakygirl123 1 month ago
Amazing. One of the best songs ever. Really only people from the 70's, know the 70's Know the feeling.
reznek1 1 month ago 3
@reznek1 17 isn't easy no matter your generation, but I know what you mean. The 70's yeah man. yeah..
sjshoopoo 1 month ago
it seems so important when you're young. but as time passes you find that trajedy and happiness rarely discriminate. and here shes acting happy inside her handsome home and me im driving in my taxi takin tips and gettin stoned
phydeaux101 1 month ago
@phydeaux101 Harry... Is that you?
H1delta 1 month ago
It seems like she thought herself to be not to desirable, but this girl is very pretty. I don't know why she would think herself below others with beauty, for she is a beautiful girl.
moseseseseses 2 months ago 15
@moseseseseses The beauty in those days (sometimes still today) was blue-eyed, long blond hair-- and we all knew it, felt it, lived it-- thus, the huge success of the song
Marielena5058 1 month ago in playlist Favorite videos
@Marielena5058
Yup, my sisters all wanted to be Peggy Lipton, who is now all but forgotten.
mjsijd 1 month ago
@moseseseseses A lot of 17-year-olds don't realise how beautiful/handsome they are, especially if they have a unique appearance and don't look like models. I think as a woman she knows.
JohnMalcolm 1 month ago
@moseseseseses She has empathy for others, perhaps, as she was/is observant? ;-)
Chickiee454 1 month ago
@moseseseseses If you look into her background you'll come to understand this song more. She grew up an interracial child back in a time when it wasn't so accepted, so that wasn't easy on her I'm sure. There is more info somewhere, but I can't remember where.
mastersirk 1 month ago
@mastersirk You obviously do not understand the context of this issue in the '50s, '60s, and '70s in the New York City area. It was a rather boring topic in the white community. It would have been scandelous in the '30s and '40s and somewhat taboo prior the '20s. Social issues need to be looked at in context of time and place.
Robbob9933 1 month ago
@Robbob9933 That may be New York but I grew up in Oakland and its always been and still is a charade of elitists. Acceptance issues haven't changed.
No matter what race.
vinnieagogo 3 weeks ago
@moseseseseses everyone questions their looks at some point
BLUELIZARD69 3 weeks ago
@moseseseseses at the time, she wasn't considered pretty.
sinnspenn 2 weeks ago
Why do I listen to this.... I am the beauty queen.....with a heart.
divalamadi0122 2 months ago
good to see the 21 buttwipes that surf youtube signed in!
barrylee55 2 months ago
Good. Song.
24Gypsynoah 2 months ago
I remember when this one came out. I told a guy at school I saw her sing it on TV. He asked, " So is she ugly?" "No." I said, "She's pretty." Love the song, Love the voice, Felt the pain.
mrpunch51 2 months ago 10
Janis Ian is fantastic!
Karlpetry 2 months ago
Came across a song called " IN YOUR MIND by andrew gerbasi" Have a listen if you get a chance. Nice tune see if you agree..
Cheers
randyandy1960 2 months ago
Sorry...the 'oh pity me' gig is for losers.
rpatrick100 2 months ago
@rpatrick100 asshole!!!obviosly never suffered a day in you life...omg!! you must be perfect
jlilyroth12 2 months ago
@rpatrick100 She isn't asking for pity. She is saying that the ones who "win" in high school likely will lead small-town, dull lives.
strawberryseason 2 months ago 3
Veramente bella
francoacc1 2 months ago
Well i think she is beautiful
dapletd 2 months ago 2
The song work's for some of us guy's too
majorrecon 2 months ago
I was 14 when this song came out. It told the story of my life! Times have changed, but back then I was the only black in school. It was horrible. I never fit in. I bought this song, learned every word and cried every time I played it. Felt a sisterhood with Janis. It was like she was telling my story. I remember not getting picked for teams at p.e. And having the coach put me on one, and the team getting mad. Now, it's called bullying,then it was just another day in my life.
tmccane1 2 months ago 3
@tmccane1 i got bullied in 99 lasted over decade probably as isolated finn
ispi05 2 months ago
@tmccane1 I am so sorry you were treated that way. I am white and I was treated that way too, because we were poor. It hurts, you cry and feel bad, but looks like we both overcame it.
ladytxpatriot 2 months ago
forgot about this lil gem...i think i heard it in the background on that comedy about that nerd and planets and shit
shastamcnugget 2 months ago
Was present at her last tour appearance last night at the Leeds Variety theatre. tremendous presence, grace and wit. Great lady, great human, writer and musician. Dominated the theatre with her immense presence and repartee. Great show, Probably one of the best i have eve seen actually. Thanks Janis you really do shine.
edenic 2 months ago
i just wanna say screw you to the fat group home worker who gave me this tape for xmas one year. yeah..
fireferryable 2 months ago
Love this version of the song even more than the stellar studio version. Props to the heavy metal lead guitar dude playing the fuck out of his acoustic axe. Wicked cool version of this great song.
ebonics4everyone 2 months ago
@ebonics4everyone That would be Jeff Layton. Superb player.
70bassman92 2 months ago
I apologize for the last comment. I posted it on my webpage. Don't flame me. Thanks.
classifiedwaste71 2 months ago
Joni Mitchell's Jew-fro half-sister? I love this song.
classifiedwaste71 2 months ago
I love this song and can associate with it. It holds a specal place in my heart but kept moving on into a life of a special beauty with my husband, daughters and now grandchldren who give me valentines, lots of love, and think I am "beautiful."
Beauty fades but true love never fades.
Thank you for posting.
Iris
irismcooper 2 months ago 2
Thanks Shun112, Janis songs are realities, from the heart.
cdomingo55 2 months ago
A beautiful song. Without wanting to trivialising the song, I loved its use in one of the Simpsons episodes.
SAFEwisdom 2 months ago
AWESOME!!!! One of the most underrated female musicians ever!!! That song was from the soul!!!
Classicmikemo22 2 months ago
Beautiully composed & wrote....what a voice & talent...such beauty
catymacca 2 months ago
You don't have to be female to appreciate this song...she is wonderful..and the song applies to a lot of teenagers...Love you Janis
MrSirDel 2 months ago 2
This has been flagged as spam show
folks after you listen to this song look for Howard stern's rendition of this song at 17 it's a parade of seinfeld dating a 17 year old .Janis Ian's sings along it's so funny
xspettacolare 2 months ago
folks after you listen to this song look for Howard stern's rendition of this song at 17 it's a parade of seinfeld dating a 17 year old .Janis Ian's sings along
xspettacolare 2 months ago
this gal can sing
guido1365 2 months ago
I went to see Janis Ian last night. She was so wonderful with her music, guitar playing and her stories. I was a student in the 70's and her music saw me through those days and more. I have never done the "fan" thing after a concert but I shook her hand and told her how much I had always loved her music....she had made me cry,again.
TheMabeldog 3 months ago
Awesome
57codex 3 months ago
I loved this in 1977 when I was 17; I love it more now at 51. Not much changes.
JudyinAL 3 months ago
Perfect!
Bagdad2k 3 months ago
Can you imagine watching one of the "Instant Star" shows that are around today, like "Britain's got Nut Cases" & a young lady comes on to play the guitar to & sing a beautiful, beautiful ORIGINAL song with such style & grace?
Anyone over 40 - We lived through magical times my friends!
98pup100 3 months ago
It's difficult to find music of this caliber now that was so common place back then. It's probably out there, but hard to find. You sure wont find it on the main airwaves anymore. Thanks for this post.
artbyvince 3 months ago
Simpson's
n325aej 3 months ago
How sad that this song still rings true today... adolescent cruelty hasn't changed much.
AlmondRed 3 months ago
I used to tend bar in a Biker Club. Whenever we wanted to get rid of "Squares" or "Outsiders" or "wimps" or whatever, I'd put this song on the stereo and the bikers would start slow dancing. The "undesirables" would slam their drinks down and haul ass for the nearest exit. Meanest fu@kin' gay bar in town...
terrryc 3 months ago 20
@terrryc ...lmao.thanks i needed that this morning : )
sugahface 2 months ago
@terrryc I served as a "bouncer" for a Dallas nightclub in the 80's. Standing rule was "you don't let nerds or any goosey types in." And you always found some "rule" to keep them out. I tagged some guy as a "goose" once because he wore a baseball cap and told him he couldn't enter the club. Turns out he was on the "Dallas Cowboys"
WilliamDRowlett 1 month ago
@WilliamDRowlett wow! and how does that relate to this song or video?
animascat 1 month ago
@animascat Well, Janis Ian's song is about being an outcast, I think it's fair to say. And 30 years ago, I was part of the arrogant, stuck up crowd who passed judgment on the "nerds" and mocked them. I regret now what I did. I'm a different person today and hopefully a better one.
WilliamDRowlett 1 month ago 2
@WilliamDRowlett that helps. most hopefully, the more we experience life, the less negative baggage we carry.
animascat 1 month ago
@terrryc LMFAO....ECMF FTW !!
smokeyhaze1000 1 month ago
@terrryc Way Cool Story
TheWickerwalker 1 month ago
janis sure was a beautiful women back in the day.
SIGNALSTAT 3 months ago
Perhaps the most insightful lyric: "Cheat ourselves at Solitaire". It perfectly encapsulates how self-destructive attitudes work.
SumErgoMonstro 3 months ago 3
Society's Child! My God, I always had this phrase at the back of my mind...Never cared to think about it twice. I am getting the book right now!
mgorayski 3 months ago 2
I know what she means :'-(
KusinerneAF 3 months ago in playlist Old songs 11
magnets... how do they work?
parratroopa 3 months ago
The damned soundman missed the first line of the song...very unprofessional.
Hanklebury 3 months ago
This must have bveen @ the grammies in 75 or 76..I had all her LP's and was so pleased when she won...I too have read her autobiography..what a storng person...so glad I listened to her music all through the mid-seventies..
Marklewisdes 4 months ago
@Marklewisdes : Good call. It was the 18th Grammy Awards (Feb. 28, 1976)
poppaculture 3 months ago
just watched simpsons and the song came on so it reminded me of something
91vincelakers 4 months ago
now this is real music
91vincelakers 4 months ago 2
something special comes along in our lives its this thanks janis
paddymc56 4 months ago
Lovely....
teamfab 4 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
wanna hear something else that is beautiful by JI? good luck on that, Her song, Jenny / Iowa Sunrise cannot be found anywhere....can anyone out there post it?
...anyone?
btinsley1 4 months ago
wanna hear something else that is beautiful by JI? good luck on that, Her song, Jenny / Iowa Sunrise cannot be found anywhere....can anyone out there post it?
....anyone?
btinsley1 4 months ago
What makes this song poignant is the fact it is probably autobiographical.
themisfitsmessiah 4 months ago
Having written "Society's Child" at age 13, Janis Ian always showed maturity and a conscience well beyond her years.
In an era of dumbed-down pop divas singing about booty and scoring, at least a few performers never stooped to embrace the lowest common denominator.
Janis Ian was one of those performers.
mrsolofeo 4 months ago
Ewph ....... captivating and beautifully haunting ... the words just get me right where it makes one feel deeply .... tears-a-flowing .... aaaaaaaaaa ... going for an evening walk up the hills and clear my head of this melancholia ..... (-:
TheJennywren51 4 months ago
57 here and I lived this song.
sunny47446 4 months ago
This song reminds of the kids we would tease for no good reason and I always feel bad about that. Sorry to anyone who lived through that crap!
headings50 4 months ago 3
44 here... This takes me back to AM radio in the 70s... She has such a fantastic voice. Thanks for posting.
ecbean 4 months ago 3
@ecbean 50 and still love songs like this. Ones you can understand the words to, and music that helps the song not just noise.
sperk31161 4 months ago
I used to accompany my girlfriend on guitar when she sang this song back in 1976. Still gets to me after all of these years.
nineznuff 4 months ago 2
64 here. Wippersnappers LOL
chub1138 4 months ago
What a voice. Will we ever be able to get back there?
Carterofmars 4 months ago
Comment removed
Carterofmars 4 months ago
Janis Ian - one of the best singer/song-writers of the 1970s
phatcracker2007 4 months ago
doesn't get much better - 46 here
Bazzingamusic 4 months ago
lovely, and honest. 48 years old, here.
gayforlife2020 4 months ago
Greenhornet270 Your post was pretty darned special. You've got the kind heart I so remember with the great guys we dated back then. Every one a gentleman and each one a very cool guy...miss those times very, very much. Glad I clicked this song and saw the really great comments.
sharing1949 4 months ago
Sobbing
lordonus 4 months ago
took a girl who was paralyzed bye polio to my Junior Prom in 1964; had she NOT moved away I swear I think I'd have married her....NEVER judge the book bye the cover folks!!!
Greenhornet270 4 months ago
There's a lot of truth to this song, this one was strait from her heart!, Guaranteed
puff000100 4 months ago
Superbe chanson !!!
Patrianonimmemor1 4 months ago
@UglyObamaNiggerWart
Do you like the sound of this music? "At Seventeen"? Does it feel relaxing? I bet it does. The lyrics would also make you perhaps.... think!? Yes?
mgorayski 4 months ago
The time had a big impact on the song. The 70s was about anti-authorisation and non-conformism. The song questions the "norm" of relationships based on popularity and marriage that lacked integrity
xHow2Craftx 5 months ago 7
24 th oktober 2011 in amsterdam nieuwe delamar :-)
blackleatherbikerams 5 months ago
@blackleatherbikerams
I like that you think we are more of SOCIAL CREATURES than we are INDIVIDUAL BEINGS...
I liked your analysis of the 70's and the impact it had on this incredible song ("At Seventee") but I think the greatnesss of the song has more to do with personal feelings tthat are showing thru han social contex of the era...I may be wrong.. Janis Ian would probably be the best person to ask! Very interesting anaylysis though....
mgorayski 4 months ago
That teenaged mental warp is strong enough to convince you that you ARE ugly. "cheating yourself at solitaire"
MsSoanSo 5 months ago
@MsSoanSo quite the opposite, the solitary thought is that you believe you are ugly, and "when you dare" you cheat and try to believe the opposite. just a thought.
i842much 4 months ago
Comment removed
CounterCultureLives 5 months ago
Just finished reading Janis Ian's remarkable autobiography - Society's Child. WOW! Who knew she has gone through so much awful stuff in her life? And yet she emerges strong, gracious, generous, kind, loving - with that amazing, God-given talent for writing and singing. We need to acknowledge and cherish this Great American Treasure!
holly2613 5 months ago 30
@holly2613 bravo!! i agree with you 100% I JUST LOVE THIS song and it is so true! I always thought Janis was just so cute too!!! She is one of my favorite singer-songwriter who today's "stars" cant match!!! :)
oofahman 3 months ago
@holly2613 - Oh, honey, no one writes like this unless they've lived it. Believe me, I KNOW all too well. It is always astonishing to hear of people being surprised that someone had gone through the ringer when they're actually listening to the tale being sung right into their ears. I am glad I have seen life from many different sides. Can't say I've ever made assumptions.
FredericaBimble 3 months ago
I had one of those moments that I will remember forever. Last night I got to shake hands with Janis Ian and tell her that she is amazing. So many singers really don't have it, decades later, when they try to sing. Janis is 60 years old now and her voice is perfect. It's better than when she was a kid. She is a fantastic guitar player too. I was really impressed. The best 2 hours plus that I could imagine.Don't miss seeing her if you get a chance. I would go see her just for her stories.
tlswilso 5 months ago 13
What a great guitar solo ..did anybody notice ??
AllManWeather 5 months ago
The lyrics to this song are definitely my favourite ever, maybe it's just because I can relate to them but I find them incredible :)
nevermind1927 5 months ago
I was kind to all...I even went to a High School sorority party with a girl who asked me ...she weighed well over 250lbs..her brother thanked me...kidness to those less fortunate in looks or weight...It's never been my style to say anything to hurt people.....I wish we could all say that..
lnefouse 5 months ago 2
dalotel 5 months ago 2
I sawJanis Ian in concert about 10 years ago. She was generous, funny and worth every penny. She greeted fans after the show ,shook hands with everyone that remained and was sincere in her thanks. To me that is a true artist., and even more, a true mensch! If she came back to Tucson, I'd pay to see her again and again.
cleefarrier 5 months ago
Meaningful lyrics is a lost art. It just doesn't happen any more. White Americans singing meaningful songs without having to imitate the Negros jungle culture that has neither grace nor beauty.
Rap and Hip Hop is not sublime. They are just SLIME.
Search4diabetescure 5 months ago
@Search4diabetescure Don't ruin a great song with personal ignorance. Race has nothing to do with the ability to write and sing meaningful songs, and the thought of such racial divide is simply moronic. For every Janis Ian and James Taylor there is a Johnny Nash, an Etta James, an Otis Redding, a Billie Holiday and a Marvin Gaye.
Please leave your supremacist values outside of meaningful, beautiful avenues - like this song.
mwleddy1 5 months ago
@mwleddy1 - Spoken like a enlightened Liberal = Socialist = Communist.
The last time I look this is still America, and not completely remade to be AMERIKA in the image of your Frankfurt School of Cultural Marxism. So, stuff your Marxism up your rear end. One day when all hell break loose, we will find the likes of you.
Search4diabetescure 5 months ago
@Search4diabetescure Funny how you believe that I'm the socialist and you mention German cities when you're the one who preaches about things being better when it's all white. All White ... sounds like a master race ... like in Germany ... with the Nazi Socialist party ... so I guess you would know about socialists, wouldn't you?
mwleddy1 5 months ago
@mwleddy1 very well said
willie143649 5 months ago in playlist willies songs
An individual like Janis comes around once in a lifetime. She could charge me by the minute to sing. No matter what she charged me it would be worth it. Thank you, Janis.
pichicago 5 months ago
what a voice beautiful
willywilltoo 5 months ago
Beauty resides within this girl...this song, her voice are special for a generation.
Larry
LarryStaples 5 months ago 3
I always assumed she wasnt cute,,,, i think she is VERY pretty !
chefjohn777 5 months ago
@chikinbonez Are you off your meds?? Or, is the psychiatric ward understaffed again??
CounterCultureLives 5 months ago
Jeez, you in a bad mood, bonez? It's just a song. And it's kind of a good one.
bellalibro 5 months ago
was made to listen to janis ian when i was a kid, my god she is great. now i am older i can appreciate how special she really is.
Chrisl2d2 5 months ago
Memories brought me here. This always brings me back to simpler times. This song let everyone know, you aren't alone.
carls1959 5 months ago
pretty and attractive are not -and never have been- the same thing, the trouble is those of of us who knew the difference never got got picked at basketball. 'a fatty and needs to lose a few pounds' ?? what a sad thing to think.
hengist42 5 months ago